William Wesley "Shorty" Bayless, 103, of Independence, MO, formerly of Springfield, MO died Tuesday at the Groves in Independence. Graveside services will be 1:00 pm, May 8, 2004 in White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Springfield, MO. Mr. Bayless was born on Nov. 18, 1900 to William Harrison and Jenny Hodson Bayless in Douglas County, MO. He retired from the Springfield Public School District where he served as a custodian. He also worked as a welder and was an avid gardener, horseshoe pitcher, Royals baseball fan, whittler, musician and builder of violins. He was a member of the Community of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, wives Blanche Lorene McMurtrey Bayless and Anna Lafferty Wheat Bayless, a son Bill Bayless, a daughter Madge Simmons, sisters Bessie, Mayme and Mary, and brothers Ben and Harold. His survivors include his grandsons Ben Simmons, Blue Springs, Steven Simmons, Kansas City, Bob Bayless, Springfield, Mike Bayless, Springfield, and granddaughters, Sonya Everett, Blue Springs, Gayla Maupin, Independence, Becky Wellington, Edmond, OK, and Barbara Kae Webster, Bailey, CO. Nineteen great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.